Latest news with #Ostrovsky
Sky News AU
6 days ago
- Politics
- Sky News AU
'Cold and indifferent': Australian human rights lawyer in Tel Aviv calls Penny Wong's response to Israel 'disappointing' amid escalations with Iran
Human rights lawyer Arsen Ostrovsky has criticised the Albanese government for urging Israel to exercise 'restraint' as tensions between the country and Iran continue to escalate. Foreign Minister Penny Wong has also called for 'de-escalation' following strikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites by Israel last week, which Iran responded to by launching rockets and drones at Israel. 'Obviously this is a very perilous situation. It's a very risky situation,' Senator Wong told the ABC's Insiders program on Sunday. 'We urge de-escalation, we urge restraint, we urge dialogue and diplomacy, and that call has been reflected by like-minded partners.' Speaking from outside a damaged building in a residential area of Tel Aviv, Mr Ostrovsky told Sky News on Monday there were 'no military targets in sight' of the area hit by the strike. 'Every single person has been in a shelter, myself, my family included. So whereas Israel is acting in its' inarguable right of self defence, what Iran is doing is a gross war crime,' he said. The human rights lawyer called Senator Wong's call for restraint 'disappointing' and questioned if such restraint would be urged if Australia faced the threat that Israel currently is. 'Australia's response, and I say this as also an Australian that's been in and out of shelters, has been somewhat, perhaps, cold and indifferent,' Mr Ostrovsky said. 'I can tell you that if Australia was threatened with annihilation, if Australia had to sustain hundreds upon hundreds of ballistic missile attacks... I don't think Australia would show such restraint and nor should Israel be expected to.' Bar-llan University professor of politics Gerald Steinberg, who also spoke to Sky News from Israel, described dramatic scenes of Israelis seeking refuge in bunkers as Tehran launched strikes at the country. 'It's been four relatively sleep deprived days and mostly nights... it's a very surrealistic scenario here,' professor Steinberg told Sky News Host Chris Kenny on Monday, speaking from Jerusalem. He said locals only had around 15 minutes to retreat to bunkers after warnings were issued of incoming Iranian missiles - which could be launched in 'batches of 50, sometimes 100'. 'There are public shelters all over the city of Jerusalem, all over Israel... so you meet your neighbours, you sit there, you listen to the booms of the interceptions,' professor Steinberg said. 'Unfortunately, sometimes some of the missiles hit and you wonder if everybody's OK afterwards. It's a very stressful time. 'I think the children are having the roughest time of it because you have to explain to them why these people who are thousands of miles away from us in Iran hate us so much, they want to kill everybody.' Former deputy mayor of Jerusalem Fleur Hassan-Nahoum shed light on the cost to human life in the deadly conflict, adding the military drones do not "discriminate on who they are wanting to kill", before revealing a six day old baby was pulled from the rubble on Monday morning. "Our civilian centres are under attack in a war that we didn't start," she told Sky News host Andrew Bolt. "It's not that this has come out of nowhere. We know that the Islamic Republic of Iran was going towards a point of no return with nuclear weapons. "We know they've called for the annihilation of Israel many, many, times. It is their aim." "We know that for the past 20 years all they've done is build their proxies around Israel to choke Israel with Hamas, with the Houthis, with Hezbollah, with Shia elements in Iraq." Ms Nahoum further asserted Israel's ultimate obligation is to defend its civilians and its country. "Unfortunately, we are going now through those pains of having to fight a war for Western civilisation, because the Islamic Republic of Iran only wants to start with Israel, but wants to finish with complete caliphate around the world," she said. "There are ideologues and this is what they want. "They say death to Israel, death to America.'' Sky News contributor Chris Uhlmann also shared his support for Israel in the escalating war and argued the nation had no other choice "than to do what it did". "Don't forget that Iran is dedicated to the destruction of Israel," he said. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has defended the nation's right to benefit from nuclear energy and research to serve national interests following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's claim its attack on the country was essential to prevent the creation of nuclear weapons. 'We stand firm in achieving this right and fear no power in securing what is rightfully ours,' Mr Pezeshkian said. 'No one has the right to deny this right to the Islamic Republic.' In a recorded message Mr Netanyahu said Israel's deadly attacks on Iran are intended to destabilise the country's nuclear infrastructure, ballistic missile factories and many of its military capabilities. As both forces in the Middle East embark on a retaliatory war, Mr Netanyahu affirmed Operation Rising Lion will continue for 'as many days as it takes to remove this threat'.
Business Insider
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Business Insider
Africa's spiritual link with Russia seems to be transforming into a real topic
There is no denying Russia's expanding ties in Africa, particularly in the areas of trade and military cooperation. However, in the past few months, the spiritual relationship between both parties has been discussed more than once. Russian Orthodox Church priests from Africa emphasized the growing spiritual ties between Africa and Russia. The priests mentioned that more Africans are showing interest in Orthodoxy and noted the hospitality and warmth they felt in Russia. The spiritual connection may lead to increased collaboration between Russia and Africa in various areas. In a recent turn of events, several African priests of the Russian Orthodox Church spoke on the subject of spirituality between Africa and Russia, asserting that "Russia is a new spiritual heart of Christianity.' The priests who relayed their sentiments to Sputnik are currently in the Euroasian country for spiritual training. Metropolitan Konstantin (Ostrovsky), the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church's African Exarchate, invited the priests to come to Russia, where they shared their insights. What the African priests said "With time, more and more Africans are taking an interest in Orthodoxy. In the past, we only followed Orthodoxy in form, not in substance," a priest from Cameroon, Hermogene Eloundou, stated. "Before coming to Russia, the image we had of the country, shaped by the media and all that, was completely false. That image collapsed once we arrived. In reality, we encountered a strong people, a courageous people, an honest and faithful people. A people who actually make you want to be Christian," Nicolas N'cho from Cote d'Ivoire stated. "The people are kind and hospitable. Everywhere we've gone, we've felt that warmth—that humanity. We were received with open arms, and we truly feel at home here," Angolan priest, Seraphin Lumanadio, also highlighted. This burgeoning spiritual connection might also serve as a foundation for more extensive collaboration between Russia and Africa. As Orthodox Christianity spreads throughout African countries, the impact of Russian clergy, customs, and theological teachings may develop in line with economic and geopolitical cooperation. The growing religious relationship is not one-way. In December 2024, at the VTB Russia Calling! Investment Forum in Moscow, President Vladimir Putin explicitly recognized this spiritual affinity. Putin's comment on Russia's spiritual link with Africa The Russian president stated that he feels there is a spiritual link between Russia and Africa, indicating the Kremlin's support for the growing religious alliance. "Africa may geographically seem like a rather distant continent, but it is spiritually close to us," the Russian head of state relayed.
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Traditional Ukrainian bake sale to benefit traveling, delivering essential aid overseas
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – Food and music are significant parts of Ukrainian culture. On Saturday, both were used to raise money and show support as the war in Ukraine approaches the three-year mark. Our Savior Lutheran Church hosted a bake sale that featured traditional Ukrainian baked goods and desserts. Proceeds from the bake sale will benefit Knoxville-based non-profit KoloHUB, a Tennessee nonprofit whose leaders regularly travel to Ukraine to meet and deliver essential aid to Ukrainians in need. 'I think it's easy to not care because it's far away,' Nelly Ostrovsky, a Kyiv native who has lived in Johnson City for over 30 years, said. 'But I think those people who possess a capacity for deep, empathetic feelings, I do not think they can forget.' Weapon demos and reenactments at 'State of Franklin Battle' Rita Gregory, a native Ukrainian who has lived in Johnson City since 2012, hosted the bake sale using food to bring a bit of joy to the community. 'We gather together just [to] spread a little bit of love with all people who are really supportive and say, 'Thank you,'' Gregory said. 'Through our [love language] that is food and traditions as well. Johnson City resident Carrie Feathers felt called to support those in need by connecting with her daughter's friend. 'When I found out my daughter's best friend was Ukrainian, I got to know Rita and the family,' said Feathers. 'It just really sent home that there are hurting people all over this world. And to support them in any way we can and just to show our love constantly is the most important thing that we can do.' A benefit concert titled 'Voices of Hope: A Concert For Peace' brought Ukrainian music to the city. Ostrovsky said she hopes the concert shows that support is also needed within her local community. 'I just want people to remember there are still people among us,' said Ostrovsky. 'We [had] some Ukrainian students here performing today that still need help, still need support, still need care.' Proceeds from the concert will benefit the Johnson City-based nonprofit Vols for Ukraine. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
